Sun, August 9th, 2020

Family Days Out!

We are really excited about our new family days this summer. What is not to love about Puzzling and Baby Owls???

From this week (10th August 2020) we will be having themed, family focussed days, every Tuesday and Thursday for the rest of the school holidays. There are going to be lots of extra activities on these days (all within the normal entrance fee) and to make it even better we are hoping to develop and add to the events each week. We are starting with something for all those who love animals and wildlife, our Nature Days.

Nature Days (Tuesdays)

On these days we have lots of things going on at the both the Welsh Owl Garden and the Castle. The idea behind the Nature Days is to explore the natural world; animals and plants, creatures big and small, scary and beautiful. There will be lots of opportunities to get hands-on with the animals in the Welsh Owl Garden and there will be a range of different crafts and activities at the Castle with plenty of things to do to get you nice and muddy!

in the Welsh Owl Garden:

• Mini-beast safaris (3 times per day – this books-up quickly so do come early to book)
• Meet the Baby Owls (at 2 pm)
• Owl flying (every hour all day but not if it is raining as they get rather soggy and very miserable)
• Creepy Crawly Handling sessions (all day long)

At the Castle

• Sun-catchers and stick-people (am)
• Wildflower bombs and Bird feeders (pm)
• Children’s Garden Tree Trail (all day)
• Owl Quiz – in English and Welsh (all day)

All the crafting materials are provided by us, parental supervision by you and whatever you make you can take home with you, which is a win-win all round.

There will be loads to do for big children, little children and those of us grown-ups who still love to potch in the mud – but don’t forget your WELLIES!

Puzzling at Picton (THursdays)

After getting your spirits soaring with the natural world, on Thursday we had our first Puzzle Day. We have a host of different puzzling activities for you to do. All based from our Gazebo on the lawn by the Castle and spread throughout the garden; think Enid Blyton meets the Crystal Maze!

• Puzzle Treasure Hunt (around the whole garden)
• Brain Teasers Challenge (Some easy and some trickier that should get the whole family thinking)
• Outdoor Games on the Lawn (sanitiser will be available for families to self-clean if they wish)
• Geocaching

The prizes are sweet treat from our never-ending sweetie jar and a Picton rosette. It is not about getting them all right but having a go and having some fun, just like Dougie below who was visiting us all they way from Scotland!

So pack your sunblock and come and join us. We have been so pleased that adults and children have really enjoyed these days that we are hoping to continue running them in September (keep an eye on our webpage and social media for details).

Photo COmpetition!

Whilst you are here, don’t forget to take part in our new photo competition. All you have to do is to take a photo of yourselves in front of our very distincitve Red Cedar. Upload it to your Facebook or Instagram (instructions are next to the tree). Tag us at Picton Castle & Gardens and you will be in our prize draw at the end of August for a goodie bag! Let’s see how may different poses we can get in one tree. This one is a, ‘Where’s Wally: Spot the 4th Child!’

Happy snapping…